Cambridge University Reporter


FORM AND CONDUCT OF EXAMINATIONS, 2007-08

Notices by Faculty Boards, or other bodies concerned, of changes to the form and conduct of certain examinations to be held in 2007-08, by comparison with those examinations in 2007, are published below. Complete details of the form and conduct of all examinations are available from the Faculties or Departments concerned.

Medical and Veterinary Sciences Tripos, Part IA, 2008

The Faculty Board of Biology give notice that the form of the examinations for the Medical and Veterinary Sciences Tripos, Part IA which will be held in 2008, has changed as follows:

Part IA

Functional architecture of the body

The written paper will be divided into three sections, I, II, and III.

Section I will last one hour and will carry 17% of the total marks. Each question is compulsory and will carry an equivalent mark. Some questions will adopt a multiple-choice format, requiring 'true/false' decisions, while the others will be of the extended matching type. The questions will examine tissue anatomy, aspects of organogenesis, and the topographical, functional, and clinically applied anatomy of the human body.

Section II will take the form of a 'Steeplechase' examination and will last between one and two hours. It will carry 33% of the total mark. Each question is compulsory and will carry an equivalent mark. The questions will be based on anatomical specimens, models, and images. Some questions will involve identification of anatomical features; others will require an appreciation of underlying structures from surface views. The questions will examine tissue anatomy, aspects of organogenesis, and the topographical, functional, and clinically applied anatomy of the human body.

Section III will last two hours and will carry 50% of the total mark. Section III will be divided into two parts, each containing three questions. Candidates will be required to answer one question from each part, and another question chosen from either part, spending 40 minutes on each. Each question will carry an equivalent mark. Part A will require an answer in essay format and will examine the ability to integrate structure with function and to construct logical arguments. Part B will also be in essay format and will assess the ability to apply anatomical knowledge to a clinical situation or problem and to deduce basic clinical implications from first, anatomical principles. Neither part will require any more detailed factual knowledge of anatomy than Sections I and II.